Why a stay at a royal campsite is perfect for summer – and costs just £ 23 each per night

WHEN you fly for work as often as I do, it can be soul-destroying to hear of chaos at airports.

Packing your family in a garage and exploring a hidden Suffolk gem like Kessingland or going to Norfolk’s Sandringham is the perfect way to complement your travel passion.

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Chief Motorhome Hire of Paignton, Devon, supplies all kinds of vehicles and can send an expert along to explain how to get the best out of it.

Our introduction, from a guy named Martin, was precise and thorough, but also encouraging and enjoyable for someone who has never ridden anything so great.

He even made emptying the chemical waste cassette sound like the kind of enriching challenge my life lacked, like hot yoga or cooking Nepalese food.

Because I worshiped the caravan holidays 30 years ago, I was well acquainted with emptying our buckets in the morning.

But the technological advancement in hotels with wheels like our Roller Team T-Line has put an end to those bizarre fun tasks.

Powered by gas and electricity, almost every amenity is on board, from running hot water and a flush toilet to a delightful fridge, USB sockets and heaps of storage. It’s all run by some idiot-resistant controllers on the wall.

We had a comfortable fixed double bed at the back and a space-age double bed that dropped from the living room ceiling, which was soon dubbed the “magic carpet bed”.

With a few clicks and twists, the dining room table can comfortably accommodate six.

Never before have I heard an hour-long highway delay greeted with so much joy as our six- and eight-year-olds realized it meant more time in their magical mystery tour.

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Parking at the top of Kessingland to be accommodated by the lovely Jane, who rarely stopped caring for guests, we had a lovely stand.

The children immediately disappeared – first to the adventurous playground, then to the brilliant Platinum Jubilee treasure hunt and finally to the beach via more playgrounds and shops and eateries.

Even with a cider and beer party in full swing at the Sailor’s Home bar, we could not wait to come back to camp.

It was the same at Sandringham, which suited Kessingland by blending a peaceful, rural campsite perfectly with facilities that would suit any luxury gym or spa.

On royal grounds, near Hunstanton and Snettisham and the Norfolk lavender fields, there are always bundles to do.

For those who want to use the site’s facilities, prepare to be impressed.

They are sparkling thanks to large investment and maintenance of the Camping and Caravan Club.

A common fear among non-campers is getting stuck next to a nightmare neighbor. But there was no blaring music, burning braai or barking dogs to be found.

Everyone was after the same thing – a bit of tranquility – but we all got it in different ways.

If you are used to all-inclusive vacations, a trip like this can be a challenge.

You need to be more inventive than when you are at a pool with bottomless beer and a kids club.

But for restless souls who dread seven Groundhog Days in a resort, caravan is a paradise.

A late-night game Uno trumps the arcade, while a grape pin tastes miraculously sweeter than Maltese.

We are also enchanted by an even stranger phenomenon.

Sitting in our palace-like juggernaut, complete with Fiamma canopy that almost doubles your kingdom in size, we started fantasizing about downsizing.

We looked up at caravans and tiny tents with jealous pain.

Surely we could not get by in the elements with nothing but sail and a few poles?

How did they cook a full English on that portable stove?

Why are they not riddled with anxiety because they do not have a wall socket to charge their phone?

We still do not know. But we are left with a sincere urge to find out and see what we have missed.

Because camping, whether in a tent, caravan or garage, is more than a holiday.

It’s a hobby and also a passion, because like-minded people exchange compliments on equipment and tips for future travels.